PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
With Uttarkashi administration trying all means to transform pine needles (pirul) from a waste into a strong source of income and employment, the district magistrate Prashant Arya and chief development officer Jai Bharat Singh jointly inspected the 25 kilowatt capacity Pirul-based power project located in village Chakon under Dunda development block. During the inspection, they closely examined the quality of briquettes and pellets prepared from Pirul in the plant and called it an effective option to strengthen the rural economy.
The DM clarified that the pine needles, which have been a source of forest fires for years, are now becoming a source of income for the villagers. “The scientific and commercial use of pine needles will not only promote self-employment but also control the serious problem of forest blazes. The administration’s aim is to enhance people’s income and strengthen environmental protection by utilisng this natural resource locally,” he added.
In view of the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, Arya directed promoting the use of briquettes and pellets made from sawdust. He stated that this fuel could become an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to LPG gas for hotel and dhaba operators. “If widely used, it would increase the consumption of local produce and provide direct economic benefits to villagers,” he said and asked officials to ensure widespread promotion of this product among hoteliers.
Notably, the electricity produced by this plant, operated through Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) was previously being supplied to UPCL at a rate of Rs 7.54 per unit. The plant operators said that sawdust-based fuel is significantly cheaper in terms of cost, providing additional income opportunities for villagers and strengthening the local economy.
